Animal Control Complaints call 911

To report a stray dog, a dog at large, a cruelty complaint, livestock at large or any other animal complaint please call 911.

Animal Control Officers:

Deputy Michael G. Swanson

Deputy Angela R. Walters

Deputy Mary A. Talaske

Animal Control Laws

Lost & Found dogs:

287.308 Stealing or holding dog in possession; penalty.

Sec. 8. Any person who shall steal or take without the consent of the owner and without lawful authority, any dog registered under the provisions of this act, or any person excepting dog wardens who shall harbor or hold in his possession any stray dog of which he is not the owner and does not report such possession to the sheriff of the county or the police department of the city in which he is holding such dog within 48 hours after such person came in possession of said dog, where the value of such dog shall not be in excess of $100.00, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and where the value of such dog shall be in excess of $100.00 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00, or imprisoned in the county jail for not more than 1 year, or both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.

Dog Laws

287.262 Dogs; licensing, tags, leashes.

Sec 2. It shall be unlawful for any person to own any dog 4 months old or over, unless the dog is licensed as hereinafter provided, or to own any dog 4 months old or over that does not at all times wear a collar with a tag approved by the director of agriculture, attached as hereinafter provided, except when engaged in lawful hunting accompanied by its owner or custodian; or for any owner of any female dog to permit the female dog to go beyond the premises of such owner when she is in heat, unless the female dog is held properly in leash; or for any person except the owner or authorized agent, to remove any license tag from a dog; or for any owner to allow any dog, except working dogs such as leader dogs, guard dogs, farm dogs, hunting dogs, and other such dogs, when accompanied by their owner or his authorized agent, while actively engaged in activities for which such dogs are trained, to stray unless held properly in leash.

Rabies vaccination

The owner of a dog that is required to be licensed under this section shall keep the dog currently vaccinated against rabies by an accredited veterinarian with a vaccine licensed by the Untie States department of agriculture.

Dangerous animal

Sec 1. As used in this act:

“Dangerous animal” means a dog or other animal that bites or attacks a person, or a dog that bites or attacks and causes serious injury or death to another dog while the other dog is on the property or under the control of its owner. However, a dangerous animal does not include any of the following:

An animal that bites or attacks a person who is knowingly trespassing on the property of the animal’s owner.

An animal that bites or attacks a person who provokes or torments the animal.

An animal that is responding in a manner that an ordinary and reasonable person would conclude was designed to protect a person if that person is engaged in a lawful activity or is the subject of an assault.

Livestock

“Livestock” means animals used for human food and fiber or animals used for service to human beings. Livestock includes but is not limited to, cattle, swine, sheep, llamas, goats, bison, equine, poultry, and rabbits. Livestock does not include animals that are human companions, such as dogs and cats.

Animal Cruelty

750.50 Definitions: charge or custody of animals’ prohibited conduct; forfeiture of animals; violation as misdemeanor or felony’ penalty’ psychiatric or psychological counseling; other violation of law arising out of same transaction; consecutive terms; order to pay cost; order prohibiting owning or possessing animal for certain period of time; violation of subsection (9); revocation of probation; certain conduct not prohibited by section.

“Adequate care” means the provision of sufficient food, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, exercised, and veterinary medical attention in order to maintain an animal in a state of good health.

“Neglect” means to fail to sufficiently and properly care for an animal to the extent that the animal’s health is jeopardized.

“Sanitary conditions” means space free from health hazards including excessive animal waste, overcrowding of animals, or other conditions that endanger the animal’s health. This definition does not include any condition resulting from a customary and reasonable practice pursuant to farming or animals husbandry.

“Shelter” means adequate protection from the elements and weather conditions suitable for the age, species, and physical condition of the animal so as to maintain the animals in a state of good health. Shelter, for livestock, includes structures or natural features such as trees or topography. Shelter, for a dog, includes 1 or more of the following:

The residence of the dog’s owner or other individual.

A doghouse that is an enclosed structure with a roof and of appropriate dimensions for the breed and size of the dog. The doghouse shall have dry bedding when the outdoor temperature is or is predicted to drop below freezing.

A structure, including a garage, bar, or shed, that is sufficiently insulted and ventilated to protect that dog from exposure to extreme temperatures or, if not sufficiently insulated and ventilated, contains a doghouse as provided under subparagraph (ii) that is accessible to the dog.

“State of good health” means freedom from disease and illness and in a condition of proper body weight and temperature for the age and species of the animal, unless the animal is undergoing appropriate treatment.

“Tethering” means the restraint and confinement of a dog by use of a chain, rope or similar device.

“Water” means potable water that is suitable for the age and species of animals that is made regularly available unless otherwise directed by a licensed veterinarian.